They are praying for a blooming miracle - literally!

Members of the Rotary Club of Minster-on-Sea had hoped the 1,200 crocus bulbs planted at the Leas in October would be in full flower by now - in time for a VIP aerial inspection and photoshoot today (Thursday).

But instead of a sea of purple crocus blooms, district governor for Rotary John Dunkley and a photographer will look down from a helicopter on a patch of green grass and about 50 flowers.

Mr Dunkley's visit was postponed once while Minster Rotarians hoped more of the bulbs would come into bloom.

But it was not to be.

The ruby giant crocus bulbs were planted as part of Rotary's national Focus on the Crocus Big Bulb Plant - promoting Thanks for Life/End Polio Now.

The campaign is aimed at eradicating polio worldwide and raising awareness of the crippling and sometimes fatal disease.

The colour purple symbolises the dye used to mark a child's little finger once they have been immunised.

Tony Potter, who organised what was for a while the world-record bulb planting session in October, said the majority of Rotary clubs across the country appeared to have experienced the same problems.

He said: "We think it's a common problem with crocuses planted in the first year - they are either late flowering or don't flower at all.

"It's a real shame and we are praying more blooms will come up."

Despite the lack of action, today's visit is still on schedule, with the helicopter due to land at about 10.30am.

Afterwards, 1,000 purple balloons will be launched in a balloon race organised by the Junior Rotary Club the Isle of Sheppey Academy Interact group.

Every £1 raised in the campaign will pay for five doses of the special anti-polio vaccine that will protect children against polio forever.

For more information visit www.ribi.org/thanks-for-life

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